Posted: 11/10/06

Family care eases a little of single mothers’ stress

By Miranda Bradley

Children at Heart Ministries

ROUND ROCK—More than volleyballs were served in the gym at First Baptist Church of Round Rock recently.

Single mothers involved in the Texas Baptist Children’s Home family care program enjoyed baked potato soup, salad and homemade cookies prepared by a professional chef in the church’s new First Life Center—a far cry from their typical Monday-night meal of ham-and-cheese sandwiches.

“We’ve been hoping for community or church volunteers to offer a service like this for our program nights,” said Melanie Martinez, family care supervisor. “We are so thrilled that goal is being realized.”

Theresa Twyeffort, a professional chef, felt a calling to offer her services once a month to the program.

“After taking a tour of TBCH, I was so moved by what was happening with this ministry that I was moved to tears,” she said. “The children are so well cared for and so loved. I knew I needed to move outside my comfort zone and search for an area where I could help.”

Twyeffort, her 16-year-old daughter, Jessica, and Twyeffort’s friend Lea Wilder immediately wanted to serve with the ministry.

“I was so impressed by the home-like setting,” Wilder said. “You can tell people work there because they care, not because they are just collecting a paycheck. And the family care program was great because it gave the moms a place to get grounded so they could succeed.”

Texas Baptist Children’s Home, a Children at Heart ministry, was founded in 1950 by the Henna family of Round Rock to provide a “real home for children.” In the ’70s, the ministry extended its mission to include single-mother families. But instead of providing simply a roof overhead, the agency set out to provide opportunities for mothers to gain independence through parenting classes, job training and placement, budgeting courses and counseling.

“We want these families to leave here ready to succeed in life,” said Martinez. “That means providing them the skills necessary to make a change, to be better.”

First Baptist Church of Round Rock offers facilities free of charge for the women’s program night therapy sessions. Children are cared for in the church nursery and also provided a hot meal each week, as well as activities and games.

Twyeffort’s offer eases the burden a bit for the mothers so they can enjoy more time in group sessions.

“This way, they don’t have to stop, make their sandwiches, and then sit down to eat,” Martinez said. “They can really slow down and enjoy dinner while fellowshipping with each other.”

Martinez hopes more people will step up to fill in the weeks between Twyeffort’s expert cuisine.

“It doesn’t have to be fancy,” Martinez said. “A group could offer to purchase pizza for the ladies or bring casseroles. We just want them to have a hot meal just once a week where they don’t have to do a lot of work.”

Twyeffort knew—in one sense—the single mothers already had plenty on their plates. Often they have fled abusive spouses, financial strain or homelessness with their children. Most women in the program have few job skills, which means they often are starting from scratch.

She wanted to serve those women by easing a bit of their strain.

“Here is an example of how three people can find a way to volunteer a few hours and actually make a difference,” Twyeffort said.

The women served by family care are hungry for more than just a main dish, Martinez added. They come to group therapy to feed off one another’s strengths and bear up each other’s burdens. Dinner is just an added bonus.

“The Bible tells us to feed those who are hungry,” she said. “By meeting their physical needs, we can meet their spiritual needs more effectively.”

For more information about family care, contact Martinez at melanie.martinez@tbch.org. For more information on Texas Baptist Children’s Home and other related Children at Heart Ministries, visit www.childrenatheartministries.org.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 11/10/06

’Tis the season for the Yuletide battles

By Chansin Bird

Religion News Service

WASHINGTON (RNS)—Midway through November, people already are fighting about Christmas.

Several Christian groups are banding together again to combat what they call the “War on Christmas.” Their targets—retailers who refuse to say “Merry Christmas,” schools that ban Christmas carols and Scrooge-like secularists who they say want to take Christ out of Christmas.

Liberty Counsel, a conservative legal watchdog group, already kicked off its annual “Friend or Foe” campaign. “We started it earlier this year than last year because of the overwhelming response,” said Erik Stanley, the group’s chief counsel.

“We wanted to give people enough time this year to report issues regarding Christmas so they can be resolved before Christmas.” The campaign in-forms Americans about what’s legal for religious expression during Christmastime. Liberty Counsel also offers free advice and defense for public schools that do not “censor” Christmas.

Last year, Liberty Counsel received hundreds of calls from across the country from employees who were prohibited from saying “Merry Christmas,” students who weren’t allowed to sing Christmas carols or wear red and green clothing, teachers who were reprimanded for displaying Nativity scenes and those upset by city councils renaming Christmas trees “Holiday trees.”

But the Washington-based Americans United for Separation of Church and State disputes that a “War on Christmas” even exists.

“In all of last year, when they tried to make a big issue of this, they came up with no examples of any so-called ‘War on Christmas,’” said Joe Conn, a spokesman for Americans United. “It’s completely a figment of (the Liberty Counsel’s) and Jerry Falwell’s imaginations.”

Americans United looked into the facts of each of the examples Liberty Counsel cited as “so-called attacks on Christmas” and found them without merit, he said.

“Some cases were completely bogus, and others had one or two facts that were distorted beyond reason. Occasionally, you’ll have a discussion in the community … but there is certainly no war,” Conn said.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 11/10/06

CityReach/Lift Up America
alliance feeds hungry families

By Barbara Bedrick

Texas Baptist Communications

FRISCO—Waiting in a long line failed to faze Joe Patterson, pastor of Greater New Zion Baptist Church in Dallas. He knew he would soon receive more than 1,000 pounds of chicken as part of the Baptist General Convention of Texas City Reach 2006.

Visiting with other Baptist pastors and FC Dallas soccer team players fresh from the playoffs, Patterson was pleased to participate in the BGCT City Reach Lift Up America alliance to help others.

“We are excited to be a part of this City Reach opportunity,” he said. “This will enable us to help hundreds of hungry families in our community.”

The BGCT partnered with the FC Dallas team, Lift Up America and its corporate sponsors, including Tyson, Interstate Batteries and Ty Beanie Babies.

Gathering to reap the gifts, Baptist ministers and church members loaded up vans and trucks to provide for North Texas children and families who have no food.

“This gift—1,000 pounds of chicken—will help meet the needs of those less fortunate in our county, and more importantly help us share the gospel,” said Melinda Polk, director of Kaufman Christian Help Center. “This partnership is wonderful for our families and our children.”

Hefting boxes of food, batteries and dolls, FC Dallas soccer team players teamed up with Texas Baptists to help distribute donations from the Lift Up America Day of Sharing Nov. 6.

Founded in 2004 with a mission to serve communities across the country, Lift Up America provides necessities to families nationwide. It will provide more than 2,600 North Texas families meals for several weeks.

“Our partnership with Lift Up America gives us the opportunity to help provide resources that we often take for granted,” said Clark Hunt, investor/operator of FC Dallas. “Our team is proud to take time to give back to the community in this heartfelt mission.”

Coordinating 17 churches and ministries, the BGCT expedited distribution of corporate donations, 20,000 pounds of chicken, hundreds of batteries and dozens of dolls.

“We are blessed to be a part of this corporate humanitarian event to help reach hundreds of families in our communities,” said Gerald Davis, BGCT community development specialist.

“It is estimated that nearly one in three children will drop out of school; the likelihood increases when students are faced with extra challenges. Hopefully, the donations of these caring corporations will help end the cycle,” said Dave Hannah, CEO of Lift Up America.

The Lift Up America Day of Sharing was one of dozens of City Reach 2006 events happening prior to the BGCT annual meeting in Dallas. More than 400 people attended community block parties at Valley View Baptist Church in Farmer’s Branch and Keystone Baptist Church in Fort Worth.

“This is our first outreach to the community since I arrived as pastor three months ago,” said Damon Halliday, pastor of Keystone Baptist Church. “In that time, the church has grown from 15 members to 100.”

The City Reach event included a mime performance about Christ’s return, a Christian comedian, basketball tournaments for children, a live band and a message from Christian athlete and world champion power lifter Randall Harris.

“Shy away from the things that will destroy your dreams in life,” Harris said.

Texas Baptists also were slated to work with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes in south and west Dallas.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 11/10/06

Moms fed up with sexpot dolls

By Hannah Elliott

Associated Baptist Press

DALLAS (ABP)—American mothers are fed up with overly sexy dolls, according to a recent report from Synovate, a market-research firm.

The study, which surveyed 1,010 mothers with daughters 4 to 9 years old, found 85 percent of mothers are “tired of the sexpot dolls and characters” in stores. Nine out of 10 moms in the study said they wish young girls walking the toy-store aisles could find more positive role models on sale.

One Christian theologian welcomed the study and urged parents to push for dolls that embrace a “holistic” and less erotic view of the female body.

Meanwhile, Jim Forrest, vice president of consumer and business insights at Synovate, said the study served as proof that the pervasive feelings mothers have about sexualized dolls should be recognized, especially from a marketing point of view, by doll manufacturers.

“The overall feeling of the moms is that there are not enough dolls and role models that they consider are good for their daughters,” Forrest said. “They have a sense that most of what their daughters are getting in the toy store or in the media is not appropriate for them.”

Researchers used questions with no details relating to specific dolls or demographics, Forrest said. Instead, they asked questions regarding the selection of dolls available and whether, if the dolls were real girls, mothers would let their daughters spend time with them.

According to the report, 88 percent of moms polled wish for a wider selection of dolls available to represent girls they would like to befriend their daughters. And 93 percent of mothers said the most important attribute for a doll is that it serve as a positive role model.

The study was commissioned by a manufacturer of wholesome dolls—AG Properties, which owns the Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears and Holly Hobbie brands. Strawberry Shortcake, which emerged in the early ’80s, and Holly Hobbie, created in 1967, are traditionally “wholesome” characters, as are the Care Bears.

Other survey findings include:

• Ninety-six percent of moms think young girls are too concerned about physical appearance.

• Ninety-eight percent said they wished girls thought it’s OK not to look perfect.

• When buying a doll for their daughter, 75 percent of moms surveyed said the girl’s request for the doll was one of the most important factors in deciding what to buy.

• Eighty-eight percent of moms worry that young girls want to emulate the look and style of “inappropriate” types of dolls.

• Ninety percent say the most important factor is that the doll is wholesome.

Donna Mitroff, an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Communications, is an expert in children and the media. In a statement about the Synovate survey, she expressed relief that parents have begun to react to the “prevalence of provocative, hyper-sexualized images” in dolls and media.

“Several important research studies have pointed out that there is a prevalence of hypersexualized images and role models in both the media and consumer products made available to young girls,” she said. “These images and role models have a direct impact on the sense of self that young girls are developing during their developmental years.”

But besides affecting body image, promiscuous-looking dolls promote an unbiblical depiction of gender roles and identity, some experts assert.

Mimi Haddad, president of the Center for Biblical Equality, said Christians should challenge the notions of beauty and gender objectification in society.

“The body is underrated by modern media,” Haddad said. Many dolls emphasize attributes like large breasts and small waists, she said. But God created the entire body—hands, feet, ears, arms—for his work and pleasure. “Can’t we look at parts of the body that aren’t erotic? Let’s get a more holistic view of the body. Our view of the body is far too narrow.”

Ideally, the toys parents give their children should reflect the identity and beauty that God gives women, said Haddad, a founding member of the evangelicals and gender study group of the Evangelical Theological Society.

Parents should guide children toward toys with traits that display the fruit of the Spirit or the use of God-given talents, Haddad said. For instance, a doll dressed as a doctor or scientist could contribute much more to a girl’s ambitions than one dressed in a swimsuit.

“It would be interesting to devise a line of children’s clothes and dolls that signified some of the redeeming work of God’s kingdom,” she said.

“What if we had dolls that gave the message that a young girl could be a world-famous peacemaker? Or that she could be an engineer that solves the problems of global warming? Or a Bible translator that brings the gospel to people who have never heard it in their own language?” News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 11/10/06

DOWN HOME:
Teenagers don’t live here anymore

You never know when lightning will strike, thunder will clap and you’ll realize nothing will ever be the same again.

This happened in church the other day.

(I know; novel idea: Life-changing revelation in a Sunday-morning worship service.)

Actually, it happened while our pastor made the announcements.

(Stranger still: “And, ladies, don’t forget the Woman’s Missionary Union pot-luck luncheon and planning meeting Tuesday.” Ka-boom! “You know, Honey, I suddenly feel called to missions in the Congo.”)

Quite unexpectedly, it happened during an announcement that didn’t even have anything to do with Joanna and me. At least not anymore.

Stephen, our pastor, was telling all the parents of teenagers about a special training session on how to be parents of teenagers when he announced the date, “… next Sunday, Nov. 12.”

Right then and there, it hit me: “On that Sunday, Nov. 12, Jo and I no longer will be the parents of a teenager.”

We became parents of our first teenager 10 years and three days earlier. That’s when Lindsay, our oldest daughter, turned 13. Molly, our youngest daughter, turns 20 and transports herself from teenhood this year on Nov. 12.

People joke about teenagers all the time, but I’m going to miss those teen years.

Not that all was rosy. There were days—probably when the girls were about 13 or 14—when I wondered if I could just freeze-dry those darling daughters and thaw them out when they turned 20. That seemed like thoroughly logical ruminations for a father facing the foibles and frustrations of those years between childhood and adulthood.

But for the most part, we had a fun ride.

When they entered their teens, both Lindsay and Molly resembled children. They looked to their mother and me for daily provision as well as for emotional and spiritual support.

But by the time they both reached the Big 2-0, they had blossomed into thoughtful, self-reliant young adults. Even more important than how they excelled in school, learned to cook and clean, realized they need to pay attention to basic car maintenance, and chose friends wisely, they both became far more spiritually mature than I was when I was their age. I’m trying to think if anything about parenthood has been more gratifying than that fact … and nothing comes even close.

During their teen years, we made memories that will last our lifetimes: Trips to the beach. Halftimes at football games, as they danced with the Farmerettes drill team. Teaching them both to drive. Proms. Graduations. First days at college. A host of fantastic moments.

Of course, parenting never is “over.” I realize that when I talk to my grandmother about my mother. But the teen years have come to an end. As a parent, I can paraphrase the prayer of Dag Hammarskjold: “For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes.”

— Marv Knox

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 11/10/06

EDITORIAL:
Go Away, Walk Away & the big picture

Many Texas Baptists have responded to the church starting scandal in the Rio Grande Valley in either of two ways. Some just want it to go away. Others think they might just walk away.

The Go Away and the Walk Away positions are understandable. But they’re too narrow and will not lead the Baptist General Convention of Texas where God wants us to go.

Most people can relate to the folks who want this problem to just Go Away. Many Christians instinctively turn away from scandal and shy away from conflict. They realize scandal and conflict divert unbelievers from Christ, dissipate the enthusiasm of immature Christians and even discourage mature Christians. So, they believe the best plan is to pretend these difficulties don’t exist, or, failing that, to quit talking about them as quickly as possible. Several inherent weaknesses accompany this approach:

• Just because you won’t name it doesn’t mean it’s not there. This is the “elephant in the room” syndrome. Relationships strain and integrity frays when people in a community—family, church or convention—ignore the obvious. As a family grows increasingly sick and dysfunctional because nobody will talk about Uncle John’s alchoholism, a convention will decline if it ignores a moral problem, such as deception and waste of missions money.

• Public sin calls for public atonement. The Bible is chock-full of cautionary tales about public sin that festered, multiplied and killed until the sinner publicly repented. What’s more, Jesus cared so much about sin and discord within the church that he insisted reconciliation should be achieved before worship is resumed (Matthew 5:23-24). He offered a step-by-step pattern for dealing with sin within the church (Matthew 18:15-17). Jesus didn’t shirk responsibility to confront scandal or shy away from conflict. The notion that confrontation has no place in the church is not based on the teachings and actions of Christ.

• Trust will not return until credibility is restored.This is a key issue for the BGCT. Churning change that consumed the convention in recent years left nerves on edge. Now, with the scent of scandal burning in our nostrils, many Texas Baptists don’t trust each other enough to move forward together. We must deal with these issues and form a foundation to believe in each other again.

If you think Go Away is bad, Walk Away would be even more damaging—to the BGCT and to the kingdom of God.

The murmur of Walk Away has been on the lips of what seems to be an increasing number of youngish pastors and can-do laypeople in some of the convention’s stronger churches for awhile. Fed up with what they describe as disorganized reorganization, sluggish responsiveness and a rudderless ship, they tend to think they would be better off going it alone. Their thinking reflects denominational discord, generational shifts and social trends.

The danger now is that scandal might provide the excuse some need to walk. They can tell themselves they already have the resources they need to “do church” and practice missions. In fact, the creeping temptation is to transfer funds that historically supported convention causes into programs and ministries of the church. This tragedy transcends finances. If these churches slip away from active involvement, the convention will lose the impact of vibrant, creative congregations, ministers and laypeople.

And for all their vibrancy, the Walk Aways are missing the big picture:

• They equate the BGCT Executive Board with the BGCT itself. This is understandable; we often use the terms interchangeably. But the Executive Board and its staff compose but one component of a much larger convention, which includes 5,700 churches as well as more than two dozen agencies and institutions. To be sure, the Executive Board has been the focal point of reorganization, which has been slow, uneven and mind-numbingly frustrating. But that’s not the whole convention.

• They’re inclined to throw the baby out with the bath water. Even though the Executive Board has had its troubles, it’s still an organization of tremendous potential. Its vision needs to be refined, and its resources must be focused. But with the help of Texas Baptists and committed staff, it can provide resources and connectivity for the convention.

• The sum is still substantial. Beyond the Executive Board, the BGCT’s institutional life is unparalleled. Together, we’re educating the next generation of leaders, preparing ministers, meeting human need, respecting our elders, healing the sick and doing mission work all around the world. Churches that walk away from the BGCT could distance themselves from these wonderful ministries, diminishing the churches’ blessings and the ministries’ impact.

This is why the Executive Board members, who meet Monday, Nov. 13, must act decisively to respond to the scandal, restore trust and move the BGCT forward.

The problem won’t go away, and we must not walk away.

–-Marv Knox is editor of the Baptist Standard.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 11/10/06

Young filmmaker issues casting call

By George Henson

Staff Writer

BROWNWOOD—Always wanted to see your face on the silver screen but probably won’t make it to Hollywood?

If a casting call in Brownwood seems more within your travel budget, a Howard Payne University student has a project that might be worth consideration.

Brandon Powell will hold casting auditions for his feature-length film project, Trial By Self, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Auditions will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and at 2 p.m. Friday. They will conclude at 11:30 p.m. both days and will be held in the Howard Payne English department building.

The 23-year-old student said he wants to cast the film centering on family relationships with people who share his Christian values.

The script, written by Powell, calls for 16 speaking roles, including five primary actors and numerous extras.

Powell expects the film to cost about $10,000 to make, and it will be shot next summer in and around Gorman, his hometown.

“It’s not about faith, but without saying anything, it brings it up. I think people are smarter than we give them credit for. You don’t have to hit them over the head with it for them to get it,” he said.

The distribution plan calls for the film to be screened initially at film festivals.

Powell has invested not only years writing and polishing the script, but also a great deal of cash, he noted.

“I don’t have a car because I have a very, very nice camera,” he said.

Despite his youth and inexperience, Powell is passionate about his project and confident it will be a source of pride for all involved.

“And I definitely can offer them exposure, because it will be taken to numerous festivals,” he said.

While he acknowledges obstacles to get his film to this point, he has no doubt the film will be made.

“God keeps sending me little encouragements all along the way,” he said.

Assistant Director Jolie Mayfield of Hardin has offered Powell script criticisms and is ready to take the next step.

“I’ve seen it in print, but I think to see it filmed is going to be really great,” she said.

For more information, contact Powell at newdionysuspictures@hotmail.com.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 11/10/06

Evangelicals distance
themselves from Haggard scandal

By Adelle Banks

Religion News Service

WASHINGTON (RNS)—As Ted Haggard expressed sorrow for being a “deceiver and a liar,” leaders of the National Association of Evangelicals distanced their organization from the man who led it three years.

“Most people—I’m not sure everyone—separate this tragedy from NAE. They consider it a tragedy of a man, a pastor and not an NAE scandal. That’s the good news,” said Richard Cizik, vice president for governmental relations of the Washington-based association.

“The bad news is, it surely impacts the evangelical world, and that includes the NAE.”

As evangelicals across the country recoiled from one of their own being caught in a sex and drug scandal, the organization that represents them chose an interim president.

Both Haggard’s 14,000-member church in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the NAE cut ties with Haggard after he admitted to “sexual immorality” with a male escort.

“I am so sorry,” Haggard wrote in a letter read to members of New Life Church during its two worship services Nov. 5. “I am sorry for the disappointment, the betrayal and the hurt. I am sorry for the horrible example I have set for you.”

The letter came after the church’s board of overseers announced he had been dismissed for sexually immoral conduct, and after Haggard said in a television interview he had acquired—but not used—methamphetamine and sought a massage from a male escort in Denver.

The NAE’s executive committee selected Leith Anderson, pastor of a Minnesota Baptist megachurch, to serve as interim president while a permanent replacement for Haggard is sought.

“Internally, I think most evangelicals will not tie what happened with Ted Haggard to NAE,” said Anderson, senior pastor of Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minn.

“They will understand that if there are 45,000 churches (affiliated with NAE), that 44,999 of them have leaders that did not misbehave and that one person misbehaved and that that is an anomaly.”

Externally, he said, people looking from the outside at evangelicals may attempt to paint them all with one brush.

“There will be those that will think the worst of evangelicals because of this, and I’m sorry about that,” Anderson said.

“This is not who we are. This is not what we do. This is an exception.”

Haggard’s letter was paired with a shorter statement to the church’s women from his wife, Gayle.

“For those of you who have been concerned that my marriage was so perfect I could not possibly relate to the women who are facing great difficulties, know that this will never again be the case,” she wrote, pledging her commitment to her husband. “My test has begun; watch me. I will try to prove myself faithful.”

The immediate steps taken by the NAE indicate the scandal is individual, not institutional, said Luder Whitlock, executive director of Trinity Forum in Orlando, Fla.—a faith-based nonprofit that aids business and professional leaders. Whitlock compared it with the scandal involving former Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., who resigned from Congress after allegations surfaced of inappropriate e-mail exchanges with congressional pages.

“In this instance, no one (in NAE) knew … in so far as I know,” Whitlock said. “Once they did know, they were duty-bound to deal with (Haggard) or else then it became an NAE scandal. As long as it’s the person, and the organization dealt with it appropriately, it’s just the realization anybody can sin.”

Kevin Mannoia, a former NAE president, said Haggard’s statement seeking forgiveness will open a process that can help him heal.

The NAE, too, will move past this eventually, he predicts.

“I think it will hurt the organization,” he said. “I’m not ready to say that it’s unrecoverable. By God’s grace, anything can be redeemed, and that’s why I extend grace to Ted personally as well.”

Likewise, Haggard’s church said it is planning its own recovery. “Our last chapter has not been written; in fact, a new book is now beginning,” reads a note on the church’s website. “The New Life Church family’s best days are ahead.” News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 11/10/06

Hispanic Convocation stresses leadership

By Orville Scott

Special to the Baptist Standard

SPICEWOOD—More than 500 participants at the 2006 Convocation of Varones Bautistas at Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center were challenged to be “prayer warriors” for Christ and leaders for God in their families and churches

Convocation Coordinator Eli Rodriguez of Dallas noted five and 10 people were in the prayer room, praying for each speaker as he or she spoke, and he was convinced it had a clear impact on their messages.

“The most important thing you do as a leader is pray,” said Lorenzo Peña, director of associational missions for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Ministry must reach into communities and not be confined to what is done inside the four walls of a church building, said Victor Rodriguez, pastor of South San Filadelfia Baptist Church in San Antonio.

“We must go out and reach the lost for Christ,” Rodriguez said. “Get away from the walls of the church. The temple is not the church.”

Baldemar Borrego, president of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, issued a call for “servants who are willing to follow God’s orders.”

“Regardless of our situation, we need to remember God is still in control,” Borrego said. “We need to start over and put God where he belongs.”

Christian leadership begins with submission to Christ, said Albert Reyes, president of Baptist University of the Americas.

“One who leads follows Christ first,” Reyes said. “Surrender and accept the specific assignment of the Father.”

Christian leaders must pass three tests, Reyes said: Can they be trusted with the word of God? Can they be trusted when nobody is looking? Do they follow God’s orders?

Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Director Charles Wade stressed the importance of cooperation.

“All of us cannot do alone what all of us can do together,” he said.

Wade urged pastors to help church members become strong leaders.

“No church can be stronger than its leaders,” he said.

Alfonso Flores Jr., pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana in San Antonio, emphasized the essential attributes of Christian leaders.

“Leaders must have character, conviction, concentration and confidence, all centered around Jesus Christ,” Flores said. Flores and Wade were among recipients of the Double Diamond Awards, presented for contributions to the growth of the Hispanic Baptist Convocation of the Laity.

Others honored were Rolando Lopez, associate director of missions for San Antonio Baptist Association; Damon Hollingsworth, Texas Baptist Men region 20 leader; Eve Rodriguez of Dallas who began the Ministers’ Wives’ Conference at the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas; Leo Smith, executive director of Texas Baptist Men; and Sam Marroquin, director of a large choir from Houston area churches.

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 11/10/06

Inner-city Houston churches
seek community transformation

By Barbara Bedrick

Texas Baptist Communications

HOUSTON—Some people view Elmo Johnson as a mover and a shaker—an entrepreneur for God who is leading his church to transform lives for God in the inner city.

Johnson, a former Houston Baptist University baseball player, is pastor of Rose of Sharon Baptist Church. He sees himself as a faithful member of God’s team, and he faces far more pressure on this playing field than on any baseball diamond where he competed, because now he’s competing for lives.

“We’ve buried a lot of kids in this neighborhood,” Johnson said. “We buried 20 kids one year. We had 20 funerals for young people here in the Fourth Ward.

“Kids are killing kids here. One kid was shot to death because he beat another neighborhood boy to a drug dealer’s car to purchase illegal substances.”

Two other boys reportedly doing drugs stole a car, then ran from police and hit a tree. One died instantly; the other swallowed his drugs and died later.

Several inner-city ministries, including Macedonia Baptist Church, Friendship Baptist Church, Bible Way Baptist Church, Antioch Baptist Church, West University Baptist Church and Rose of Sharon Baptist Church formed a coalition to turn the community around.

But the mission particularly is important to Johnson and Rose of Sharon.

The 67-year-old church sits squarely in the shadow of downtown Houston and less than a block away from Founder’s Cemetery, where the city’s forefathers, the Allen Brothers, are buried. The community commonly known as Fourth Ward originally was known as Freedmen’s Town, given by freed slaves who settled it.

Once a desolate, dirty and destructive neighborhood in the inner city, the city’s oldest African-American community is developing into a sanctuary for God’s work. But it took many deadly confrontations to spur the revolution.

Elmo Johnson talks with a neighborhood resident outside his church in Houston's Fourth Ward.

“One time, a kid got shot on the street, and I couldn’t sleep anymore,” Johnson said, with tears in his eyes. “I prayed to God. He said to me, ‘Get out of these four walls and into the community.’”

These days, Johnson seldom meets a stranger in the neighborhood. Practically everyone knows him—particularly the first-time homeowners who benefited from a partnership he developed.

Johnson brought together the city government, real estate developers and federal agencies to build affordable housing in the Fourth Ward. The homes were made available at low-interest rates to residents who never realistically expected to own a home.

“I’ve been blessed,” said Diane Garza, a Fourth Ward resident. “This is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

With Johnson’s help, Garza now owns her own home—a three-bedroom, two-bath house with a two-car garage. She can enjoy riding bikes through the neighborhood safely.

Down the street, another church neighbor claims he would not be celebrating his own home today without Johnson’s assistance.

The 30-member congregation is extending its faith beyond the church walls. Top priorities are taking care of the senior citizens, young adults and young girls and boys on the street.

“We still lost eight kids this year. We buried eight kids,” said Johnson with frustration in his voice. But in a community where drugs and danger walk hand in hand, Johnson has not only prayed for a miracle, he has seen one.

“The makeup of the community is changing,” Johnson explained. “Where weeds and illegal activity once reigned, we now have gates and eight-foot fences.”

Where weeds once stood, a new three-story senior citizens’ apartment complex is rising across the street from Rose of Sharon. After losing her home to new development, an elderly woman is happy again after Johnson worked to ensure there would be an apartment building constructed just for senior citizens. That woman now sits on the porch of a nice new homae—reciting poems and visiting with neighbors.

Cementing partnerships and relationships, Johnson keeps on working. Recently, Trammell Crow and a group of its volunteers called “Elmo’s Army” also constructed 100 new apartment homes for area families. Now, one of the church’s more critical goals is to reach the young people through education. This month, Rose of Sharon Baptist Church announced its partnership with the nearby Gregory Lincoln Learning Center, a Houston Independent School District middle school of nearly 700 students.

The church’s 53-year-old pastor secured partnerships with Rice, Texas Southern University, University of Houston, Lakeland Baptist Church and Deer Park Baptist Church to provide tutors for the students.

“We want to give these kids an alternative to selling drugs and stealing,” Johnson said. “We want to ensure that no kid will drop out of K through 12.”

The adopt-a-school program is a move to teach young people trades such as plumbing, roofing and electrical work to keep them from a life of crime. Students first must commit not to sell drugs. They also must commit to get a high school diploma or a GED and to get life-skills training.

Recently, Rose of Sharon purchased $2,000 worth of school uniforms and shoes for 100 kids, other clothes, 25 backpacks, food and toys.

Pastor of Rose of Sharon for 22 years, Johnson is excited about the wonders God is working. Church members have refurbished and painted a little red schoolhouse called the Georgia Woods Learning Center. Inside, parents and children will have the opportunity to take classes to improve their literacy.

Deacon Willie Scott, a former drug addict and an ex-convict, returned to the Fourth Ward and started From Jails to Jobs to help others like himself develop skills to keep them out of trouble.

But Johnson is quick to note Rose of Sharon Baptist Church is not alone in its efforts. Other churches in the inner city also are doing their part to help spread the gospel and save lives.

“The Lord has been kind,” noted Johnson. “We think he’s making a difference through us, and it will give the families here new hope and new lives.”

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 11/10/06

Islamic groups denounce
Baptist’s ‘takeover’ remark

By Robert Marus

Associated Baptist Press

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (ABP)—Leaders from a prominent American Muslim group have denounced reported comments by the Missouri Baptist Convention’s executive director claiming “Islam has a strategic plan” to take over the United States.

Ibrahim Hooper, communications director for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations, said David Clippard’s assertions “are too bizarre to even comment on.”

David Clippard	Ibrahim Hooper

According to two Missouri newspapers, Clippard, in his address at the opening session of the convention’s annual meeting Oct. 30 in Cape Girardeau, said Muslims are trying to infiltrate North American schools and take over U.S. cities in order to impose Islam and Islamic law on an unwilling populace.

“They have a plan to take over,” he said, according to Cape Girardeau’s Southeast Missourian newspaper.

“They are trying to establish a Muslim state inside America, and they are going to take the city of Detroit back to the 15th century and practice Shar’ia (Islamic religious) law there,” the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Clippard saying.

In his message, Clippard claimed there are now 300,000 Muslims in Detroit, which would comprise a majority of that city. However, in a 2000 survey, the Association of Religion Data Archives estimated that 46,492 Muslims lived in Wayne County, Mich., which includes Detroit. The largest religious body in the city in 2000 was the Catholic Church, with 451,069 adherents.

According to 2004 estimates by the American Religious Identity Survey, about 1.5 million adult Muslims live in the United States.

Hooper noted the Detroit metropolitan area long has been home to a large Arab-American community, but many of those are Catholics and other Arab-American Christians.

Clippard, reached via e-mail, cited multiple sources for the assertions and figures he quoted, including several books and research institutions. A “primary source” for the material, he said, was Jim Slack, an official with the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board in Richmond, Va.

Clippard claimed that Slack “has a primary Muslim scholar’s paper that documents the plans for Detroit,” but said he had not read it. Slack did not respond to a telephone message requesting comment by press time.

Clippard also reportedly said the Saudi Arabian government has funded more than 100 Islamic study centers and mosques in North America—including ones on or near the University of Missouri campuses in Columbia, Rolla and St. Louis.

According to the Post-Dispatch, a spokesman at the St. Louis campus said the Saudi government does not subsidize the university’s Muslim Student Association or the school itself.

In addition, Clippard said, the Saudi Arabian government paid for 15,000 Muslim college students to come to North America to study with the intention, he claimed, of taking the continent for Islam.

“What they are after is your sons and daughters,” Clippard said, according to the Post-Dispatch. “They are coming to this country in the guise of students, and the Saudi government is paying their expenses.”

CAIR’s Hooper said Clippard’s claims about schools also are baseless.

“If he has evidence of that, I’d like to see it—but the Muslim Student Association has many chapters on college campuses around the country, just as other faith groups do,” he said. “They’re all just students trying to pass their courses like anybody else. Somehow to claim that they’re (there to form an Islamic revolution), paid for by the Saudi government, is, again, too bizarre to even be commented on.”

Clippard said the Muslim Students Association of the United States and Canada is the conduit for Saudi funding of campus Islamic centers.

A telephone number listed on the group’s website was disconnected, and nobody from the group had responded to a message sent to the contact e-mail address listed on the site by press time for this story. But a statement on the site says: “We do not receive funding from overseas governments. We do not accept funding from any one source that might potentially seek control of MSA National’s agenda or affairs.”

Hadia Mubarak, a former president of the group who is currently a member of CAIR’s board, echoed that statement. The MSA and its regional and campus affiliates “have absolutely no connection to Saudi Arabia or any foreign government, for that matter,” she said in an e-mail interview. “In fact, it is a policy of our organization to refuse any funding from foreign governments, as this is an indigenous organization created by American Muslims for American Muslims.”

Clippard, for his part, told the Post-Dispatch that his comments were not borne of hatred for Muslims. “I don’t hate Islamic people,” he said. “We need to love these folks, go after them and love them, one at a time.” News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.

Posted: 11/10/06

Mentally challenged minister
through Meals on Wheels

By Craig Bird

Baptist Child & Family Services

TYLER—Senior adults in the Tyler area recognize residents of Breckenridge Village—a Baptist Child & Family Services facility for mentally handicapped adults—as more than recipients of ministry. They know them as welcome visitors who deliver Meals on Wheels to their homes.

“Many people think of our residents as people who only receive care, but the concept behind Breckenridge Village is to provide the opportunity for them to live as full a life as possible,” Executive Director Charles Dodson said. “That includes having the opportunity to be servants, to do things to help others.”

Except for the driving, Breckenridge men and women take care of the entire operation. That includes picking up the meal kits at the Meals on Wheels operations center and making individual home deliveries.

“Often the Meals on Wheels person is the only other human the seniors see that day,” noted Mike Powell, director of Tyler’s Meals on Wheels. “It is the emotional highlight of their day—often much more important even than the nutritional food.”

The Breckenridge Village volunteers are not on the job because Powell wants to make them feel good—he welcomes the help.

“We provide 3,000 meals a day across 10 counties,” he says. “That’s larger than the Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles. We need all the help we can get, and we need help we can depend on.”

Breckenridge Village meets the challenge. In 2003, its team of residents was was named “Volunteer of the Year” for Tyler.

“The more volunteers we have, the more of our funds we can invest in meals,” Powell added. “So, we see Breckenridge’s participation as a plus for both agencies. They get good experience, and have a good experience. And our seniors love them. Some even call and ask that we send the Breckenridge folks to their house on a regular basis.”

One of those fans, an elderly widow who asked that her name not be used, said that while all the Meals on Wheels volunteers are nice, there is something special about Breckenridge Village.

“They just light up my day, because they always are so happy and always ask how I’m doing,” she explains. “They aren’t in a hurry to get to the next house. It’s like I’m the most important person in the world to them. When you live alone and can’t get out much, that is a wonderful gift.” The feelings are mutual. “One girl was sick and couldn’t do the deliveries one day, and it really made her sad,” said Linda Taylor, director of development at Breckenridge Village. “She kept saying, ‘If I don’t take them their lunch, they won’t get anything to eat today.’ We finally convinced her that her friends from Breckenridge Village would take care of it until she was feeling better and could resume volunteering.”

On a typical day, six to eight residents, ages 24 to 45, load up the van for an afternoon of Meals on Wheels volunteer work. Conversations include lots of playful kidding, impromptu singing and occasional tearful outbursts.

The woman they all call “Mother Hubbard” lives up to her nickname, taking over control and command responsibilities for the operation. She directs unpacking each meal, passing the food from the back to the front and usually provides explicit instructions about how the volunteer is to get the job done.

The sense of fair play is extraordinary as they take turns to be sure everyone gets equal opportunities to participate. The actual delivery is a solo operation—but all the other residents visibly root their friend on and explode into applause and cheers when he or she returns with an empty tray. There is a visible disappointment when the last meal is delivered.

“Sometimes we puzzle about what Jesus exactly meant when he said we should become as little children,” Dodson added. “But surely this is one example.

“Our residents do this because they want to do something kind and loving. Not only do they not expect any reward, they don’t even think about that. Their reward is the smile of the person they serve. They give in the same simple spirit of joy as they receive care at Breckenridge Village.”

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